PROJECT: EXPUNGEMENT OF A CRIMINAL RECORD IN SOUTH AFRICA
- Isabel Spies
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
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Public Awareness Notice – Specialised Security Services (SSS)
Specialised Security Services (SSS) regularly assists members of the public who are adversely affected
by old or minor criminal records. Many South Africans remain unaware that the law provides a mechanism to have certain criminal records legally removed, enabling individuals to rebuild their lives without the ongoing stigma of past convictions.
WHAT IS AN EXPUNGEMENT?
An expungement is the legal removal of a criminal record from official state databases.
Once an expungement has been approved and processed, the conviction no longer appears on the records of the Criminal Record Centre (CRC) of the South African Police Service (SAPS).
For legal and practical purposes, the conviction is treated as if it never occurred.
Expungement is regulated by the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977, as amended, and is intended to offer relief to individuals who committed less serious offences and have demonstrated good conduct over a sustained period.
A criminal record can severely limit access to employment, international travel, professional registration, firearm ownership, housing opportunities, and educational prospects.
Expungement removes these barriers where the law permits.
WHO MAY APPLY FOR EXPUNGEMENT?
An individual may qualify for expungement if all relevant legal requirements are met, including the following:
The conviction was for a less serious offence.
The sentence imposed was:
A fine not exceeding R20,000, or
Imprisonment of five (5) years or less, or
Imprisonment with the option of a fine, or
A wholly suspended sentence, or
Correctional supervision in terms of Section 276(1)(h), or
Periodical imprisonment in terms of Section 276(1)(c), or
Imprisonment in terms of Section 276(1)(i), or
A sentence that was postponed, or where the individual was cautioned and discharged.
A period of at least ten (10) years has passed since the date of conviction.
The applicant has not been convicted of another offence during the ten-year period.
Each application is assessed on its own merits, and strict compliance with statutory requirements is essential.
WHO DOES NOT QUALIFY FOR EXPUNGEMENT?
Expungement is not available in cases involving serious or violent crimes, including but not limited to:
Murder.
Rape and other serious sexual offences.
Robbery with aggravating circumstances.
An individual will also be disqualified if:
The sentence exceeded five (5) years of direct imprisonment.
The person re-offended within the ten-year waiting period.
The person’s name appears on the National Register for Sex Offenders.
In such cases, the law expressly excludes expungement to protect public safety and maintain the integrity of criminal justice records.
BENEFITS OF EXPUNGEMENT:
The successful expungement of a criminal record offers a genuine opportunity for a fresh start. It allows individuals to:
Improve employment prospects where criminal background checks are conducted.
Access education, housing, and professional licensing opportunities.
Travel internationally without automatic disqualification.
Restore dignity and social standing after long-term lawful behaviour.
For many South Africans, expungement represents a critical step toward reintegration and long-term stability.
HOW SPECIALISED SECURITY SERVICES (SSS) CAN ASSIST:
Specialised Security Services (SSS) provides professional guidance and assistance throughout the expungement process.
This includes:
Assessing eligibility in terms of South African law.
Assisting with the correct completion and submission of expungement applications.
Liaising with relevant authorities where required.
Ensuring compliance with procedural and documentary requirements to avoid unnecessary delays or rejection.
Members of the public who believe they may qualify for expungement are encouraged to seek expert assistance.
Early, accurate intervention can significantly improve the likelihood of a successful outcome.
SSS remains committed to public education, lawful rehabilitation, and assisting individuals
to move forward responsibly within the framework of South African law.
Specialised Security Services invites the public to the Mike Bolhuis Daily Projects WhatsApp Channel.
This channel is important in delivering insights into the latest crime trends, awareness, warnings and the exposure of criminals.
How to Join the WhatsApp Channel:
1. Make sure you have the latest version of WhatsApp on your device.
2. Click on the link below to join the Mike Bolhuis Daily Projects WhatsApp Channel:
3. Follow the prompts to join the channel.
4. Make sure you click on "Follow", then click on the "bell"-icon (🔔)
CONTACT MR MIKE BOLHUIS FOR SAFETY AND SECURITY MEASURES, PROTECTION, OR AN INVESTIGATION IF NEEDED.
ALL INFORMATION RECEIVED WILL BE TREATED IN THE STRICTEST CONFIDENTIALITY AND EVERY IDENTITY WILL BE PROTECTED.
Regards,
Mike Bolhuis
Specialist Investigators into
Serious Violent, Serious Economic Crimes & Serious Cybercrimes
PSIRA Reg. 1590364/421949
Mobile: +27 82 447 6116
E-mail: mike@mikebolhuis.co.za
Fax: 086 585 4924
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EXTREMELY IMPORTANT: All potential clients need to be aware that owing to the nature of our work as specialist investigators there are people who have been caught on the wrong side of the law - who are trying to discredit me - Mike Bolhuis and my organisation Specialised Security Services - to get themselves off the hook. This retaliation happens on social media and creates doubt about our integrity and ability. Doubt created on social media platforms is both unwarranted and untrue. We strongly recommend that you make up your minds concerning me and our organisation only after considering all the factual information - to the exclusion of hearsay and assumptions. Furthermore, you are welcome to address your concerns directly with me should you still be unsatisfied with your conclusions. While the internet provides a lot of valuable information, it is also a platform that distributes a lot of false information. The distribution of false information, fake news, slander and hate speech constitutes a crime that can be prosecuted by law. Your own research discretion and discernment are imperative when choosing what and what not to believe.
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